Olopeng fights for cash-strapped entertainers

Innocent Selatlhwa | Friday December 16, 2016 18:00

 

In March,  the Minister met with entertainers in Gaborone and promised them that he would engage the Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry, Vincent Seretse and Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Slumber Tsogwane to have entertainment hours extended.

“It was never an easy process. I spoke to the parties and awaiting a response anytime from now. I hope it comes in our favour,” he said.

Olopeng, who is President Ian Khama’s confidante, said his concern was mostly entertainment as the short operation hours were costing those in the entertainment business greatly. It is widely believed that he has Khama’s ear and the President never turns him down.

Since the last festive season, Olopeng has been showing signs of a progressive leader when he negotiated extension of entertainment hours to the delight of fun lovers countrywide. However, some did not benefit, as the message could not reach all stakeholders adding to more confusion. According to one of the promoters who had asked Olopeng to speak to the relevant stakeholders on their behalf, Seabelo Modibe, they are having it tough.

“We as promoters have been having it tough since the liquor trading hours were reduced. This affects our businesses even though we are not directly dealing with liquor, hence we asked the Minister to engage his counterparts,” he said. Modibe said they have engaged with the Minister on numerous ocassions, but do not expect a solution soon as other stakeholders are still to be engaged. Modibe said their businesses were badly affected, as people would rather not go out for a short while before entertainment spots close. Modibe said the situation is bad because even those who applied for permits always have troubles. “We do not have venues and opt to use farms, which are also convenient for reducing noise pollution. It’s never easy. Right now, we have promoters who have long applied for permits but are being denied by council officials. That’s a huge challenge,” he said.

Modibe said even though it does not look like hours will be extended soon, he was hopeful that they would eventually get there.

He said that they wish all pieces of legislature relating to the creative industry be housed under MYSC for better coordination, as it is difficult to reconcile the laws, which are housed at Investment, Trade and Industry as well as Local Government and Rural Development ministries. Modibe said it was important that their industry be recognised as it can contribute to the country’s economical growth. “Look at how much the alcohol levy and other industries make money, but we never benefit from such, yet our industry plays a role and has the capacity to do more when given the necessary support,” he said.

Olopeng has organised yet another free festival for his constituents on Christmas Eve.  The Minister has since become a sweetheart to most youth for actively liberating them from hardships through access to getting tenders and other services promised by his government.